Dissecting MLS teams: Western Conference

Last week, I had a look at the all the teams who had a chance to make the Major League Soccer playoffs from the Eastern Conference. This week, I have a look at the Western Conference.

Seattle Sounders: Sitting at 60 points through 32 games, Seattle is one of the best clubs in the league. The team has been consistent both scoring and defending this year, as its longest winless streak stands at just two games. With designated players like Clint Dempsey and Oba Martins, this team is destined for a MLS Cup appearance.

LA Galaxy: Los Angeles sits just behind Seattle in the west and in the race for the Supporters Shield (best team in the regular season). While LA has had a number of losing streaks this season, they seem to be coming into their own at the right time. In the past 10 matches the team has gone 7-2-1. Led by attackers in Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, this team will score a lot of goals once they qualify for the playoffs.

Real Salt Lake: RSL is back in the playoffs once again. Many of the team’s players have been to the MLS Cup before, as they have a great core of players leading this team. It looks like RSL will play the second seed (first seed plays the winner of a playoff between the fourth and fifth clubs, second played third) but they are still in a great place to succeed. RSL is a great example of how deep the Western Conference, since it has basically the same point total as the first placed team in the East, DC United.

FC Dallas: Just behind Real Salt Lake is FC Dallas, just one point separating the two sides. Dallas have built up a great core of players, lead by Blas Perez as a striker. They have shown they are a great side, dating back to five wins in six games to start the season.

Vancouver Whitcaps: In the battle for the fifth and final playoff spot, Vancouver has the upper hand by a point. Coming into the final two games, Vancouver has managed three straight wins. The team is hot and moving quickly.

Portland Timbers: The Timbers will be in trouble, as the team sits a point out of a playoff spot with just two games to go. After going nine games without a win to start the season, the team hasn’t looked very good. Expect Portland to fall to a fast and skilful Whitecaps side.